NCCL and its influencing factors in Chinese elderly

Abstract

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to describe the prevalence of non-carious cervical lesions (NCCL) and to explore the related influencing factors among the elderly in Guangzhou, Southern China. Methods: Totally 596 65-74-year-olds from 3 urban districts and 395 65-74-year-olds from 2 rural areas were recruited for this study. All the participants attended a clinical examination and were asked to complete a structured questionnaire that was designed based on an explanatory model. The severity of NCCL and occlusal tooth wear were recorded using the tooth wear index. Diagnosis of abfraction was made according to the shape of lesion and occlusal wear.

Results: It was found that the prevalence of NCCL and abfraction was 83% and 39% in the urban elderly, 79% and 36% in the rural elderly, respectively. Results of ANCOVA analysis showed that men, those who used toothpick twice or more daily, those who used to bite hard food, and those who brushed their teeth with right hand were likely to have more lesions in the urban group. In the suburban group, higher education level, having gastric regurgitation problem, and use of toothpick were the influencing factors.

Conclusion: The prevalence of NCCL in the elderly studied was high and it brought huge burden to the dental services. To prevent or reduce this problem, people can be educated to change the related behaviors through implementing dental health education activities.